The current clinical efficacy evaluation system and evaluation methods of acupuncture have several limitations, and the application status is not optimistic. According to long-term observation, minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is consistent with the characteristics of clinical acupuncture, and has objective quanti- tative standard and wide applicability. Incorporating MCID into acupuncture clinical efficacy evaluation of tradition- al Chinese medicine can truly reflect the clinical effect of acupuncture and improve the disadvantages and shortcom- ings of acupuncture clinical evaluation, which could provide certain reference for building clinical efficacy evaluation system featured with TCM.
Acupuncture Therapy ; standards ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; standards ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; standards

To explore the evaluation method of evidence body for acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), and to provide methodological support for the development of acupuncture and moxibustion CPGs and to promote the establishment and application of acupuncture and moxibustion standard. Based on the academic characteristics of TCM acupuncture, the stratified evidence evaluation method was proposed. Firstly, evidences were collected from the ancient literature, modern literature and clinical experience, and were scientifically distinguished and evaluated. Secondly, all the evidences were integrated as body of evidence by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Lastly, based on the general index (GI), the clinical recommendations for acupuncture were proposed. Based on the stratified evidence evaluation method, acupuncture and moxibustion CPGs were developed in a more scientific and objectiveway with the comprehensive and sufficient evidences.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Moxibustion